Robert E. Donovan, 80, passed away Oct. 3 at Merrimack Valley Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Daniel H. Donovan and Adelaide (Woodard) Ragust. Raised and educated in Haverhill, he was a graduate of Haverhill Trade School, class of 1955. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country during the Korean Conflict, and was honorably discharged. He was a lifetime member of the Amvets, Post #147. He served the city of Haverhill as a firefighter for many years. Donovan was also a painter and wallpaper hanger by trade, worked in the local shoe industry and at the former Western Electric. He was a big Boston sports fan and was an avid Red Sox fan, never missing a game. His favorite card game was 45s and he was quite good at it, but his favorite pastime was crossword puzzles. Donovan walked five miles a day at the Winnekenni Castle and rode his bicycle there as well before declining health.
He is survived by his partner Patricia Griffin of Haverhill; daughters, Roberta Ames of Haverhill, Johanna Donovan and Cheryl Phillips of Middleboro and Susan Lavoie of Haverhill; brother, Phillip Donovan and his wife Gail of Plaistow, N.H.; two grandchildren, Jarred O’Brien and Kevin Wells; two great grandchildren, Max Wells and Ella Wells; dear friends and caregivers Penny Griffin, Kevin Callahan and Chantilly Griffin, all of Haverhill; several nieces, nephews and cousins; dearest friends, Moe and Joanne Brisson of Haverhill; and his feline friend, Scrapper. He was predeceased by his brother James Donovan.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours Friday, Oct, 7. from 4 to 6 p.m., at Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Burial will be private. Donations may be made in his memory to the Haverhill Firefighter’s Relief Association, c/o Haverhill Firefighter’s Museum, 75 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830.